Sydney jockeys Chad Schofield and Zac Lloyd, who share the same jockeys’ room weekly, will be donning their silks in South Africa this weekend for the nation’s most prestigious race, the Durban July.
The talented cousins are both competing in the renowned 2200m event. Schofield is set to ride King Pelles for trainer Gareth van Zyl, while Lloyd will partner Regulation, trained by Justin Snaith.
“It will be kind of funny sitting with him in the rooms in South Africa,” Schofield remarked. “Obviously, we do it here every week, but to be over there together is sentimental.”
Their overseas journey is not as surprising as it might seem, given their pedigrees. Both Schofield and Lloyd are sons of former top South African jockeys, Glyn Schofield and Jeff Lloyd respectively, who went on to have distinguished careers in Australia.
Chad Schofield, who grew up in South Africa and still has family residing there, will be participating in the feature race for the second time. He previously rode The Conglomerate in the 2015 renewal when he was an apprentice.
“My family came to Australia when I was about fourteen, and I have been back once, but it’s going to be really cool to get back again,” Schofield said. “I’ve got a gran and aunt there, so I’ll be able to see them too. I used to go to that racecourse often when Dad was riding there. Even this particular race meeting, it’s a big deal over there, and to be able to go back and be amongst it is pretty cool.”
Schofield is scheduled to land in South Africa late on Thursday and will have the opportunity to trial King Pelles in a track workout the following day.
King Pelles, a proven stayer with a past win over 3200m, is currently offered at double-figure odds for Saturday’s 2200m Grade 1 race. However, Schofield has been reassured by reports from his trainer.
“He’s a really good stayer. His form over the staying trips is the best in the country,” Schofield stated. “He is running over a distance that looks to be too short for him, but I know the stable has freshened him right up and kept him as sharp as they could. It’s a handicap, and he’s got 59 (kilos). He is a 20-1 chance, but he’s got the class.”
King Pelles is one of seven rides for Schofield on the 12-race Greyville card, while Lloyd, who recently achieved his first winner at Royal Ascot during their famous June carnival, has eight mounts.
Both jockeys will be aiming to achieve what their fathers could not, as neither Glyn Schofield nor Jeff Lloyd managed to win the Durban July during their illustrious careers. The Durban July is a highlight, and you can find competitive online bookmakers to wager on.
